GWPs are usually very good with kids, especially when raised with kids.  But, even when they aren't raised with kids, they seem to really like kids.  But, GWPs sometimes don't realize how big and strong they are, and could inadvertantly knock-over a small child.  And, although GWPs are very patient with children, you should supervise your children when they are with any dog, since some children are not good with dogs, and if the dog tries to defend itself, it can get it trouble. 

GWPs want to be with their families all the time, and LOVE to be house dogs.  Young dogs (under two years old) need to get plenty of outside exercise to be really good house dogs, but even young dogs are really good in the house when they have been properly exercised. 

GWPs do NOT make good kennel dogs--they want to be with their families, and when they are left alone in kennels, they tend to bark, climb out of their kennels, and can be destructive. 

A GWP raised with cats or small dogs is usually very good with them, since they are all part of their family.  Cats and small dogs defend themselves against a puppy's rough play, and the puppy learns to respect those that are smaller than he is.

But, it can be difficult to introduce an adult GWP to a cat or small dog, since they may see the small animal as "prey." Remember this when introducing an adult GWP to a smaller dog or cat, and be prepared to correct the GWP if he tries to attack the small dog or cat.  We have successfully introduced adult GWPs to cats, but it does take time and vigilance--you may need to ask your dog's breeder for advice so nobody gets hurt!

GWPs, and any wire-coated dog like terriers, shed very little compared to longer coated dogs, or even short-coated breeds like beagles, labs, and pointers.   

GWPs have a "wire" coat, and the amount of grooming required depends on the quality of coat your dog has.  A correct, wirey coat will mainly just need an occasional bath and brushing to keep the coat shiny and clean.  We also recommend an undercoat stripper, like a Mars Coat King to remove dead top coat and undercoat, and if you use a pumice stone on the top coat, you will keep your dog's coat looking great!

GWPs like to stay busy, and like many breeds of dogs, they enjoy getting their feet dirty by digging in the yard--or your garden!  A bored GWP is likely to not only dig, but chew things, jump fences and destroy items they find laying around the yard.  The best way to avoid these behaviors is to be sure your GWP gets plenty of exercise! 

Click here to see video of puppies digging.

Some good ways to exercise your GWP are:

• A walk (or a jog/run)
• Playing fetch
• Hunting (or just a good run in the field for an hour or two, when it isn't hunting season)
• Classes & Training (including obedience, agility, tracking, field work)
• Swimming (this is an especially good form of exercise when it is hot)

GWPs are a relatively healthy breed, with no really serious health issues common to the breed.  That said, there are problems to watch for.  Like almost all breeds, GWPs can have hip problems.  Breeders should x-ray their breeding stock for hip dysplasia, and have their dogs certified by OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of America) or rated by Penn-Hip for hip laxity.

Many breeders are now starting to have their breeding stock tested for thyroid by OFA.  Although the dogs may not actually have thyroid problems themselves, low or high thyroid levels can be a precursor for immune system diseases in future generations. 

Other health tests that breeders may use for their breeding dogs include CERF (eyes), OFA Elbows, Heart/Cardiac (usually OFA certified) and VonWildebrands Disease (a bleeding disorder.)  These are all issues that have appeared in GWPs, so some breeders like to test for some or all of these issues. 

Another problem that occasionally pops up in GWPs (and all breeds) is epilepsy.  Seizures can be hereditary or environmental, but a responsible breeder will never breed a dog that has had seizures, and will closely evaluate the dogs family history, and will not breed that line if relatives have also had seizures.

But, all of these things are relatively uncommon in GWPs, although it is important to be aware of potential issues.

We breed GWPs, so our answer is going to be different from a VDD breeder, but basically a VDD is a GWP that is registered with the American VDD registry (licensed through Germany) instead of registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC.) 

VDD breeders follow strict guidelines from Germany, and are not allowed to breed a dog until it has passed the VDD field tests, and the VDD group can control what dogs a breeder can breed his dog to.  VDD breeders believe these limitations make their dogs better than GWPs.

GWP breeders are allowed to breed dogs how they please, and some may breed for convenience rather than for quality, or for show quality with no regard for field ability.  But, GWPs bred for field ability are going to be as good or better than any Drathaar.  Drathaar and GWP breeders who breed for field can get good to excellent pups, and even an occasional dud.  There is nothing inherently better or worse between the breeds, and in fact, there are many countries that do not distinguish between the two and they breed back and forth regularly.

This is a personal question, and many people have a distinct preference for one or the other, but we say you shouldn't rule out either one.  Both have their pros and cons, but overall, the differences are minor.

Jodi prefers the males because they are more affectionate and easygoing, and tend to be interested in making her happy.  Tom prefers the females because they are a little more independent, although they are more inclined to "give him the finger" and ignore him when they don't want to do what he says!  But, girls are affectionate, and boys can be stubborn, too.

We have never had problems with leg-lifting in the house with the boys, and if you spay or neuter, there is no difference in "sex drive."